Thread: Roof racks conversion for sunroof

Originally Posted by tzioup

Hi all

.... however they have a flat plate at the front of the rack which I believe is supposed to reduce wind noise.

As I have a front sunroof, this plate would essentially block it out entirely. I am considering purchasing one of these, cutting out a square above the sunroof, and welding some steel square tube around it joining up with the existing cross members to reinforce it.

.....

Or you could try to mount it backwards first .. accidentally!
Guess who did something so silly like that!
I didn't actually fit it up(as in bolt it down) like that, I just fitted the flat up there backwards.
I was on my own, and didn't pay attention to how I had it set up as I slid the rack up and over

It would be weird having the flat plate bit down back.

Note mine is not a Kings flat rack, but is pretty much identical. Mine was got from an ebay seller that was local to me.
Looks like they come from the same factory in China. Also mine is Al, not steel .. but again same overall design type.

My understanding is the plate severely reduces wind noise... also it would prevent me from attaching the rooftop tent facing the boot, which is my intention.

Do you mind sharing a reference to the Aly rack you bought in PM? I believe you and I are both in the same neck of the woods so that seller would be local to me too.

Cheers

Originally Posted by tzioup

My understanding is the plate severely reduces wind noise... also it would prevent me from attaching the rooftop tent facing the boot, which is my intention.

Do you mind sharing a reference to the Aly rack you bought in PM? I believe you and I are both in the same neck of the woods so that seller would be local to me too.

Cheers

I'm sure it's ok to share publicly.

The place I got it from looked like a generic cheapo Chinese accessories importer.
Large warehouse full of roof racks of every kind.

As I didn't get it directly off ebay, I have no real record of it, and was about 5 years ago!
But I remember the address, looking up Google Maps.

33 Salvatore Dr Campbellfield.
Via Maps now, you see two green pairs of warehouses, looking forlorn, the pair on the right in streetview.
Satellite view shows a business called Aussie Auto Parts and Accessories.
I can't recall their business name, so can't confirm this is them.

Back then I think I paid (maybe $400 or so)

Way back then, I got the kit and kaboodle home and find that a few bolts missing in the plastic bag, no biggie I can get from any hardware store, but I popped back told them the problem, and in no time, with no hestiation the woman reaches for a full bag of fittings for me, apologies, and I leave with more nuts(oh! and bolts) than I know what to do with!

As for noise, I can confirm it makes basically zero noise .. at least on a 300 tdi vehicle!
Then again, brother has a 3/4 rack on his D2 which has rails, and spare tyre and some other gear up there too .. and really it makes hardly any noise too.

One mod that had to be done tho is a few eye hoops for tie down points. Don't trust Al rails for strength, and used to be PITA to wrap around the legs.
So I drilled the tops of the legs and bolted on some hoops for strap tie downs. Not ideal but has worked so far for all uses I've needed.

Hope that helps.

(ps. still trying to catch up with the bro to grab the nanocom too!)

Thanks Arthur, appreciate the reference! Might have to do a drive by and find out if they're still around.

Cheers

t

Ah I now realise who they are, these were the first racks I looked at online but turned away after I read some really shocking reviews on their google profile (and very defensive, self-righteous responses from the owners).

I suppose people usually write the loudest reviews when they have bad experiences, and there may be 10 people who have nothing to complain about for every 1 star review...